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If you're a fan of home theaters and the tech behind the latest TVs, I wouldn't be surprised if you read about new TV models shown last week at the CES 2021, where LG and other brands showcased OLED TVs and Nanocell TVs. Did these upcoming TVs get your attention?
Would you like to get your hands on the newest TV model? If so, which would you choose? A Nanocell or OLED TV? Don't worry if you can't decide quickly. Weighing your options should always be a part of your buying process. Read this mini-guide in full for a clearer picture of what Nanocell TVs and OLED TVs are all about.
These are our top recommendations:
If you don't have time to go on an in-depth product comparison research, we also compiled the best TV model you can see in the market today. Also, if you want a monitor instead of a TV, check out these amazing 32" gaming monitors or top-shelf monitors for video editing. And if you want to look into monitor types more thoroughly, this post will provide all the answers.
What is OLED TV?
OLED stands for organic light. Organic light-emitting diode, is a display technology used by brands like Sony, LG, and Panasonic. TVs that use OLED technology were created with a thin carbon-based film built into the screen. This enables the TV to illuminate only parts that need lighting (for bright whites) and other parts to be completely turned off (creating intense black levels) onscreen. For more detailed review of the technology go to 'What is OLED Monitor?' or 'What Is an OLED TV?' posts.
In comparison, LED TVs use a big light shutter placed behind the screen to illuminate/dim pixels depending on the video, movie, or other content. Everything lights up, which is why what's supposed to be pitch-black images sometimes look grayish instead.
Benefits of OLED Tech
- Good picture quality: Because every pixel on OLEDs emits its own light, you can expect vibrant images and a more in-depth color range since it adds white light on top of the traditional RBG (red, blue, and green) lights.
- Energy-efficient: Because OLEDs do not light up the entire display whenever they're turned on, they use less energy and as a result, are more eco-friendly.
- Thin design: Because OLEDs do not require a backlight, the display looks a lot thinner than many LCD and LED TVs.
- Long-lasting: Back in 2016, LG boasts that the company's OLED range can last up to 100,000 hours (that's a whopping 11 years) of constant use.
Recommended OLED TVs
If you're looking for the best OLED TV, choose between these two new models:
- LG's highly-rated LG OLED 55 inch 4k UHD TV: Designed with gaming features, this value-for-money OLED model has a slim design and boasts superior picture quality thanks to sub-1ms input lag, VRR, 4K resolution, 120fps support, and premium OLED-assisted contrast.
- Like LG's OLED 55 inch, Sony BRAVIA A80J 55 Inch OLED 4K TV was built for premium watching and for gamers. It produces perfect black levels and premium color gamut, offers wide viewing angles, and gives users a much better response time than other OLED TVs. The only downside I could think of with the Sony A80J OLED is the lack of variable refresh rate (VRR) tech.
Watch out for microLED TVs
If you like what you see with these OLED TV models, make sure you watch out for the new tech Samsung is planning to launch in 2022 as well.
Samsung's MicroLED range skips backlights but uses self-illuminating and self-emissive pixels. It is seen as an upgrade because it tried to solve burn-in problems and provide better brightness, full colors, and more reliable performance.
Plus, this new series would include a 110-inch MicroLED screen, which is perfect if you're building a bigger and better home theater room.
What is Nanocell TV?
LG developed and patented nano cell technology for its TVs and displays. As such, you won't find this tech on any other brand's TV series (see 'What is a NanoCell TV?').
LG's Nano Cell TVs - see 'LG NanoCell Review' - are actually LCD TVs. The main difference with these newer TVs is that it is designed with an additional filter of tiny nanoparticles (approximately one nanometre in size).
NanoCell's very very small particles work by purifying colors in several ways, such as:
- Filtering out light in "wrong" colors, which results in accurate reds, blues, and greens
- Absorbing unnecessary light waves to produce vivid color, dark black and bright white
LG's Nanocell TVs compete directly with other brand's QLED displays (QLED stands for Quantum Light Emitting Diode), which uses LCD technology with a quantum dot film over the top - see 'NanoCell Vs. QLED'.
Benefits of Nanocell Tech
- Solves fading: Unlike conventional LCD TVs that are prone to unstable color and fading, nanocell TVs produce good color output.
- Sharp images: The balanced and vivid colors produced mean images on these TVs appear sharp and very detailed.
- Delivers quality images at any viewing angle: One of the best features of nanocell TVs is the ability to watch from angles as wide as 178 degrees. You won't have issues with a viewing angle with this kind of TV model.
- Perfect TV for games: Any LG NanoCell television supports HDMI 2 1 and features Variable Refresh Rates (VRR). Gamers would really appreciate how this TV adapts to the game. The fluctuating refresh rates of your game console synchronizes with the TV, which in turn deliver a top-notch performance without unwanted tearing or stuttering in the middle of your gaming or watching.
Recommended Nanocell TVs
In late 2020, LG's Nano90 55 inch Nano cell TV became a trending model because it was launched at half the price of LG's best OLED models. Turns out, the LG Nano90 was just the tip of the iceberg. In addition, check out LG NanoCell vs UHD, too.
The 2021 Nanocell series also includes the following models:
LG Nano90 4K NanoCell
- Available in 55 inch, 65 inch, 75 inch, 86 inch model
- This 4K TV features Nano Color and a 120Hz panel. Ideal for a room with ambient light, this TV model is better suited for gaming and video streaming.
LG Nano80 4K NanoCell
- Available in 50 inch, 55 inch, 65 inch, 75 inch model
- This lower-midrange 4K TV is an entry-level NanoCell model with a 60Hz motion rate (instead of the 120Hz from Nano80). LG skipped Dolby vision, made this Gallery Stand-compatible, and used local dimming for backlight instead of full array.
LG Nano75 4K NanoCell
- Available in 43, 50, 55, 65-inch model
- This new TV has similar features to Nano80 with one major difference: we don't get local dimming or Gallery Stand compatibility with this TV.
Future NanoCell Models
If you think LG's Nanocell TV range is better than OLED models, don't just buy one yet. Think future-proofing and make sure you read about upcoming LG models NanoCell TV models NANO99 and NANO95 that promises one-of-a-kind performance.
This upcoming pair from the NanoCell series will be equipped with a new intelligent processor from LG: the α (Alpha) Gen 4 AI that uses deep learning to analyze and optimize content. It features the impressive Scene Detection feature, which auto-adjusts picture settings after analyzing the current scene.
Nanocell vs Oled: Which Is Better?
With the never-ending introduction of new TV technologies, brands, series, and range you can read online in 2021, it would be very confusing for people who just want to get their own TV that's value-for-money.
OLED and Nanocell both have their strengths and weaknesses. To help you decide a bit more, here are some situations where OLED would be a better fit, and when Nanocell would be the right pick.
Go with Nanocell if:
- You want wide viewing angles which will stop the fighting for the best seat on the sofa. In addition, the anti-reflective top screen layer copes with ambient light really well. The low input lag will be appreciated by avid gamers. The higher-end models have 120Hz refresh rates and support for features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).
- You want to maximize HDR content. Netflix, Ultra HD Blu-ray, Sky, and other providers utilize HDR (or high dynamic range) since the format produces over a billion colors. Choosing Nanocell TV means you can enjoy all kinds of HDR content.
Go with OLED if:
- You need a higher-performing TV with superb image quality. OLED isn't the newest tech available, but it is the best-rated by TV experts and photographers. These screens provide incredible contrast, deeper black colors, and unmatched picture performance.
- You need a TV for your gaming where black color will be really black. OLED screens will also surprise you with their fast response time and low lags, allowing you to keep pace with Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 or another game you currently love.
Just with any major appliance, what will work for me may not work for you...and vice versa. So to determine which display would bring your movie-marathoning, Xbox-ing, or console-gaming to the next level, choose based on your needs, budget, and priority. We hope the recommended TV models above helped bring down your options to a more manageable level and eventually lead you to the right decision.
FAQs:
1. Is NanoCell better than OLED?
Yes, NanoCell TV technology is better than OLED because the former uses a backlight system to light up the entire screen, while the latter relies on self-lighting pixels. This makes NanoCell TVs brighter, less power-hungry and more uniform in color. In addition, NanoCell TVs support HDR (high dynamic range) for improved picture quality.
2. Is LG NanoCell better than Qled?
NanoCell TVs from LG Electronics are quickly gaining a reputation for quality and superiority over Samsung's QLED TVs. While the two technologies are similar, there are some distinct advantages to NanoCell that have consumers and experts taking notice.
One key difference is the viewing angle. QLED TVs require a direct line of sight to be seen clearly, while NanoCell TVs offer consistent color and image quality at wider angles. This makes them ideal for larger spaces or groups of people watching TV together.
NanoCell also has a higher peak brightness, meaning colors are more vivid and realistic, even in bright rooms. The technology also filters out unwanted light reflection, which can cause eyestrain. This results in a more immersive viewing experience that is less fatiguing on the eyes.
3. Is NanoCell any good?
Yes, NanoCell is a good brand. I have never had any issues with their products. It has a high resolution and can produce accurate colors.
4. Is NanoCell like Qled?
NanoCell is not quite like Qled, as it doesn't use quantum dots. However, it does offer some similar benefits, such as improved color accuracy and brightness. NanoCell also aims to provide a wider viewing angle and better black levels than traditional LED TVs.
5. Does the LG NanoCell have HDR?
Yes, it supports HDR. LG NanoCell TV restores the image to its original Technicolor mastering suite appearance. It produces an extremely accurate image when used with SDR or HDR content. In comparison, OLED still rules when it come to deep blacks.
I have a 65″ Nano86 TV I bought Nov2020.
Great TV except for one thing.
Even the smallest amount of image or text on a black screen will cause a whole third of the tv to become a grey colour. The object moving sideways, or panned camera, causes the grey band to move across the screen with it.
Very distracting in dark scenes.